Enass Muzamel
Enass Muzamel is a prominent pro-democracy activist and human rights defender from Sudan. She is pivotal as the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Madaniya, an organization dedicated to promoting civic engagement and advocating for human rights. Enass's notable contributions include her instrumental role in the 2019 pro-democracy movement in Sudan, ultimately leading to Omar al-Bashir's ousting. Despite facing significant challenges, including forced evacuation from her home in Khartoum due to violent conflicts, Enass continues to lead critical relief efforts. She remains committed to supporting women and girls in Sudan by connecting survivors of sexual violence to essential healthcare, medicine, and basic services. Amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, Enass actively calls upon the international community to show solidarity with human rights defenders who are working tirelessly to end the war and build a democratic Sudan.
Kennedy Akolo
Kennedy Akolo brings over two decades of experience in the development sector in Africa, positioning him as a seasoned development practitioner. Kennedy serves as the Regional Director of Africa for the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker organization dedicated to promoting lasting peace with justice. His career trajectory includes involvement in a parliamentary strengthening program aimed at supporting inclusive legislative processes in five East African countries. Kennedy has also contributed to various international development agencies, focusing on education, governance, and peacebuilding. One of his notable passions is strengthening social cohesion among post-conflict communities, driven by personal experiences. In his current capacity, Kennedy spearheads innovative approaches to peacebuilding in Africa, advocating for a new framework of shared security based on the principle that shared problems demand shared solutions. He holds an MSc in Organizational Development from USIU-Africa and a BA in Economics from Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. During his leisure time, Kennedy enjoys spending quality time with his family, exploring tropical rainforests, and occasionally indulging in Rhumba dancing.
Lensa Biyena
Lensa Biyena is a dedicated advocate for human and gender rights and a seasoned development practitioner. Her educational journey encompasses an MSC in project management, a postgraduate degree in International gender studies from the University of Iceland (First class with distinction), and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Mekelle University. Lensa's passion revolves around gender, human rights, democracy, governance, peace, and security. Her extensive career has spanned various sectors, including the private sector, international NGOs, and local and regional civil society organizations. She has held roles as a board director, founding member, and research and advocacy advisor and has actively contributed to national and international election observation missions and studies. Currently, she is serving as an Executive Directress of the Ethiopian Woman Lawyers Association (EWLA), an organization founded by a group of Ethiopian women lawyers in 1995 to promote the legal, economic, social, and political rights of Ethiopian women under the FDRE Constitution and relevant human rights conventions.
Mahlet Abraham
Rev. Dr. Fidon R. Mwombeki
Rev. Dr. Fidon Rwezahula Mwombeki is a distinguished Tanzanian theologian with a rich service history. He earned his Bachelor of Divinity 1987 from the Lutheran Theological College Makumira. He later pursued a Master's Degree in Theology from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, along with a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Mwombeki's educational journey also led him to attain an MBA from California Coast University. He was ordained as a pastor in 1987. His career includes roles as a Parish Pastor, Secretary for Literature and Communication, Secretary for Mission and Evangelism, Deputy General Secretary, and General Secretary. Notably, he served as the Director for Mission and Development at the Lutheran World Foundation in Geneva. In June 2018, he assumed the role of General Secretary of the All-Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) in Nairobi, where he currently serves. The AACC is a fellowship comprising Churches, National Councils of Churches, and other Christian organizations across 43 African countries, representing over 140 million Christians. Dr. Mwombeki has also actively contributed to international boards, including the Evangelical Church of Germany and the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria. He possesses a profound passion for mission, Development, capacity building, and Pan-Africanism, coupled with a dedication to writing, with publications in English, Swahili, and German languages.
Archbishop Martin Blaize Nyaboho
Archbishop Martin Blaize Nyaboho currently serves as the Vice President for the Central Africa region at the All-Africa Conference of Churches (AACC). His journey in service began when he was ordained as a priest in September 1989, followed by consecration as a Bishop in July 1997, and finally, installation as an Archbishop in August 2016. Archbishop Nyaboho is renowned for his roles as a peace builder, peacemaker, and ecumenist. He actively participates in the AACC Eminent Persons Ecumenical Programme for Peace in Africa (EPEPPA), leading faith delegations to countries facing conflict and engaging with prominent figures, including Heads of State, representatives of multilateral institutions such as the UN and AU, faith leaders, and civil society organizations to facilitate peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Kenya Highlands Bible College and Asbury University College (USA). Beyond his church responsibilities, Archbishop Nyaboho has represented the Anglican Church of Burundi and the National Council of the Churches of Burundi to various organizations and served as the President of the Provincial Electoral Commission in Burundi. He is Vice President of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and has participated in numerous international conferences in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Mirjam van Reisen
Mirjam van Reisen is a distinguished Professor of International Relations, Innovation, and Care at Tilburg University and FAIR Data Science at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University. She serves as the Research Leader of the Globalization, Accessibility, Innovation and Care (GAIC) network and Project Director for the Digital Innovation and Skills Hub (DISH), a part of the African University Network on FAIR Open Science (AUN). Mirjam's extensive teaching experience includes various prestigious universities worldwide. She is Brussels's Director of Research Advisors & Experts Europe (RAEE). Mirjam is also the Coordinator of the Virus Outbreak Data Network (VODAN)-Africa implementation network and a Supervisory Board of PharmAccess member. Her remarkable career includes serving on the Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) and chairing the Development Assistance Committee (COS) from 2013 to 2020. She was also a Board Member of the Philips Foundation and the SNV Netherlands Development Organisation. Mirjam has published prolifically on European and international cooperation, human rights, and human trafficking. She leads groundbreaking research in international human trafficking, international cooperation, technology's role in societal Development, and women's empowerment in peacebuilding. Notably, she was awarded the Golden Image Award in 2012 by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Moses Chasieh
Moses Chasieh is a highly experienced Project Management Expert with over 15 years of international expertise, totaling 25 years in peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, conflict prevention, and Development. His expertise extends to strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Moses previously held the position of Country Representative for the American Friends Service Committee in Burundi for approximately ten years and currently serves as the Director for the Salama Hub Program, the AFSC Advocacy and Policy Program for the Horn of Africa. In his current capacity, Moses spearheads evidence-based research and advocacy initiatives, enabling Civil Society Organizations and Faith-Based Organizations in the Horn of Africa to positively impact conflict situations and policy development through engagement with regional bodies such as the AU, IGAD, UN, and more. Moses has also played vital roles in two United Nations Missions in Burundi, where he led strategy development and coordinated UN-wide Joint Programming. Earlier in his career, he held various roles, including Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the AIDS Control Program and Station Manager with the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services. Moses has a master’s degree in project management from the University of Liverpool, UK, and a certificate in leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School in the USA. He is a proud Project Management Institute (PMI) member and a national of Cameroon.
Dr. Pauline Kamau
Dr. Pauline Kamau is a dedicated Quaker International Affairs Representative in Africa for the American Friends Service Committee, focusing on advocacy for peace across the continent. She is a critical link between grassroots information, national governments, African regional bodies, and the UN to facilitate learning and implementing peace policies. Pauline's academic journey includes a PhD in Gender and Development from Kenyatta University, an MA in Diplomacy and International Studies from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education specializing in Business and Economics. Her career spans engagement with numerous local NGOs in Kenya and international NGOs in Rwanda, Malawi, and Tanzania. Pauline has also shared her expertise as a lecturer at several universities in Kenya, specializing in gender and development studies, conflict management, and resolution. She is recognized as a livelihood expert, particularly in enterprise development in pastoral areas in Kenya and East Africa. Her specialization extends to gender analysis, evaluation, lobbying, and advocacy training, among other key areas. Pauline has been actively preventing violence against women, promoting women's economic empowerment, and supporting women's political engagement in Kenya.
Kerri Kennedy
Kerri Kennedy holds the significant role of International Associate General Secretary for AFSC (American Friends Service Committee). With two decades of experience leading international peace and justice organizations, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her work. Kerri possesses a Master of Science degree from American University and has a proven track record of working in over 50 countries, including war zones, post-conflict regions, and the United States. Her lifelong mission has been to reduce conflict and structural violence globally while ensuring that all individuals have a voice in policy and politics. After impactful support for women politicians in Afghanistan, Kerri founded Represent PAC, an initiative to support progressive women candidates in Pennsylvania and beyond. She is a distinguished Truman National Security Fellow, Vice Chair of the Alliance for Peacebuilding, and the co-editor of the book "Indivisible: Global Leaders for Shared Security."
Dr. Gorden Simango
Gorden Simango, a Zimbabwean with an impressive academic and professional background, holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Africa, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Management from the University of Zimbabwe, a postgraduate certificate in Law, a postgraduate diploma in Law, and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of London. He earned his Doctor of Transformational Leadership in Entrepreneurial Organizational Transformation with Honors from Bakke Graduate University in the USA in March 2023. Gorden is passionate about amplifying voices from marginalized communities to influence policy and decision-making. He has worked globally, impacting development policy, international human rights discourse, and humanitarian advocacy and relief. Gorden currently serves as the Director for the African Union Office & Advocacy at the All Africa Conference of Churches based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he oversees the development and management of annual budgets and leads a team of staff to promote mutual information and cooperation relationships with the AU and its component institutions, the UN, and other international actors.
Mesud Gebeyehu Reta
Mesud Gebeyehu Reta is a Distinguished Lecturer of Law at Samara University, a seasoned practicing lawyer, dedicated researcher, and committed Human Rights Defender. His active involvement in human rights advocacy in Ethiopia dates back to 2015. Mesud presently serves as the Executive Director of the Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO), an organization with a vision to create a platform for strong and vibrant human rights CSOs, promoting human rights and democratic values in Ethiopia. The organization was registered on the 16th of March 2018 (re-registered as per 1113/2019 with registration number 3932). Mesud also holds the position of Vice Chairperson of the Ethiopian Civil Societies Forum (ECSF) board, a national forum/network comprising CSOs working across diverse areas in Ethiopia, with a mandate to create an enabling environment for local CSOs. In addition, Mesud serves as Vice-Chairperson for the Affinity Group of National Associations (AGNA) Steering Committee under CIVICUS, a global alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society worldwide. He is also the chairperson and co-founder of the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC). Mesud is further recognized as the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission – CSO joint platform co-chair, representing CEHRO. He serves as an Executive Committee member of the Ethiopian CSOs council and the Interim Coordination Committee (ICC) for the CSOs coalition - Coalition of Ethiopian CSOs for Election (CECOE), representing the Ethiopian CSOs forum. Mesud actively contributes to numerous Human Rights CSOs as a volunteer, trainer, and board member, including the Ethiopian Journalists and Artists for Human Rights Association, Ethiopiawinet, Advocacy Initiative for Development Ethiopia (AID Ethiopia), and as a local board member for the USA-Based Civil Society: Global Alliance for the Rights of Ethiopians (GARE).
Sureya Ali Roble
Mrs. Sureya Ali Roble is a highly respected figure in advocacy for women in peace and security. She is the founder of Advocacy for Women in Peace and Security-Africa (AWAPSA), an organization dedicated to advancing the women's peace and security agenda through advocacy to drive positive change. Sureya is Vice Chairperson for Sisters Without Borders, a network of women peacebuilders in the East Africa region, encompassing Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. The network's primary objective is to share best practices and enhance capacity-building among members on women's peace and security matters. Sureya brings a wealth of experience in public policy interventions through critical analysis, research, and data-driven decision-making. Her expertise extends to conflict mitigation, peacebuilding, trust-building, inter-governmental relations, policy review, and legislation. With a career of over 30 years, she has significantly contributed to community development, project management, and gender development. She firmly believes in the pivotal role of information in imparting skills and knowledge necessary for communities to effectively engage in development processes, assume their roles, exercise their rights, and fulfill their responsibilities to effect positive change. Sureya is a certified mediator with educational accomplishments that include a degree in political science and public administration, a master’s degree in business administration with a public policy focus, and her current pursuit of a Ph.D. in Development Studies. Her commitment to peace and justice is further exemplified by her fellowship with The Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) and her recognition as a Justice Champion by the Coalition of Women in Africa for Peace and Development.
Tsion Tadesse
Tsion Tadesse is a highly experienced development practitioner with over sixteen years of dedicated service in community development, humanitarian aid, and integrated peacebuilding in East and Horn of Africa countries. Her proven track record includes leading strategic planning, research, and evidence-based development program design. Since January 2017, Tsion has served as a Deputy Representative for Programmes at the Horn of Africa (HoA) Regional office of Bread for the World Germany. In this role, she ensures that implementing partners' programs in four HoA countries follow a rights-based approach by empowering rights holders and capacitating and positively influencing duty bearers. Before joining Bread for the World, Tsion contributed her expertise as a research team member at Tufts University, where she evaluated multisector strategies for improved nutrition and food security in Ethiopia. Her high-quality field reports played a crucial role in further analysis and informed policy influence in two regional states of Ethiopia (Oromia and SNNPR). In a previous role, she worked for USAID-Ethiopia as a Program Mentor, delivering periodic capacity-building for healthcare providers operating in HIV/AIDS units to ensure local practices align with the national HIV/AIDS policy. Tsion is known for her supportive and nurturing leadership style, having led diverse teams for over six years to achieve organizational objectives while operating in a dynamic and fragile regional context. As an Ethiopian National, she is deeply committed to positively impacting people's lives and driving positive change in her community. Tsion holds a master's degree in Sociology from IGNOU and a Leadership and Civic Engagement certificate from the University of Georgia.
Yaol Gatkuoth
Yaol Gatkuoth (Chànge De Gatkuoth), Founder of the Pan-African Peacemakers Alliance (PAPA), is a dedicated peace and human rights activist with a B.A Degree in Psychology from Wolkite University, Ethiopia, Yaol's commitment to volunteerism, advocacy, activism, inclusion leadership, and sustainable development stems from his personal experiences growing up in a violent community and losing family members during the December 15, 16, 2013 civil war in South Sudan. Over four years, he has undertaken numerous projects on youth and women development, human rights, youth peace and security, democracy, governance, civic space, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding in South Sudan and the surrounding region, impacting over 10,000 youth. His advocacy, community dialogue facilitation, human rights certification, and support for internally displaced youth and women have significantly contributed to peace and security efforts in South Sudan. Yaol's dedication has earned him recognition and awards, yet he remains humble and focused on his mission to improve the world through peacebuilding and human rights.
Zaina Kisongoa
Zaina Kisongoa is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in international development and education. Holding a master's degree in development studies with a specialization in Children and Youth Development, as well as a bachelor's degree in education (Arts), Zaina has successfully managed multi-year, multi-donor innovative programs in various sectors, including peace, social justice, trauma healing, eye health, livelihood, education, child protection, and youth projects across Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and South Sudan. Currently serving as the Country Representative for Somalia and South Sudan at the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), she has held various positions with renowned organizations such as Plan International, Save the Children, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), and Aga Khan Foundation. Her dedication to improving the lives of marginalized communities is evident in her impactful work.
Dr. Pauline Muchina
Dr. Pauline Muchina, originally from Kenya, earned a Ph.D. in the United States and currently serves as the Policy, Education and Advocacy Coordinator for Africa at AFSC in Washington, DC. She previously worked as the Senior Partnership Advisor for UNAIDS for 7.5 years and is a visiting Professor at Reykjavik University School of Management. She is an active member in several boards and advisory groups, including the Advocacy Network for Africa, the Global Room for Women and Jubilee, USA, and is a Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians member. Dr. Muchina has founded the African Women & Youth Initiative in 2015, supporting impoverished women in crafting handmade African products for the global market, and launched the Future African Leaders Project, offering educational and leadership opportunities to promising African youth facing significant challenges. Her impressive accomplishments include receiving the United Methodist Church Global Leadership Award in 2011 and being recognized as one of the most powerful international religious leaders by the Huffington Post in 2014.